A Truly Injectable Neural Stimulation Electrode Made from an In-Body Curing Polymer/Metal Composite
Abstract
Implanted neural stimulation and recording devices hold vast potential to treat a variety of neurological conditions, but the invasiveness, complexity, and cost of the implantation procedure greatly reduce access to an otherwise promising therapeutic approach. To address this need, we have developed a novel electrode that begins as an uncured, flowable prepolymer that can be injected around a neuroanatomical target to minimize surgical manipulation. Referred to as the Injectrode, the electrode conforms to complex target structures such as a foramen or plexus, and within minutes cures in vivo forming an electrically conductive interface. The resulting interface has a Young’s Modulus of under 100 kPa, which is orders of magnitude less stiff than conventional electrodes. To validate the Injectrode, we performed detailed electrochemical and microscopy characterization of material properties and validated the feasibility of using it to electrically stimulate the nervous system in pre-clinical animal models. Electrochemical testing was performed based off of common FDA preclinical benchtop tests including scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and voltage transient analysis. The metal particle based Injectrode within the cured silicone elastomer performed very similarly to pure wire of the same metal in all measures. The Injectrodes demonstrated larger charge injection (and/or storage?) capacity compared to size-matched mimics of…
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